Brian Little and David Bernstein to join the board

[AV89]

I'm going to stick my head over the parapet here and say that this raises more questions than answers.

Brian is without doubt a legend here (a word ridiculously over used these days, but not in this case), but it's been a long time since he's been involved at the upper echelons of the game  (even Championship level).

Also, is it for the right reasons?  If there bringing him back to be a cheerleader, then there seems little point.

[anton hillman]

Those pictures of Brian make my heart swell with pride and at the same time loss at times gone past. He was, in a unique Villa context, magic. My one-way time machine ticket is booked for 1976.

Do well Brian.

is the room for a stowaway? I never saw Brian play, but my brother did and his description was simple: the best player he ever saw including Best etc...

BL was s Villa great but just behind the God McGrath

[CJ]

Really pleased with this. I said a couple of days ago we needed a football man on the board and thought Sir Brian would be up for it. At last the  club do something right

[Ger Regan]

I'm going to stick my head over the parapet here and say that this raises more questions than answers.

Brian is without doubt a legend here (a word ridiculously over used these days, but not in this case), but it's been a long time since he's been involved at the upper echelons of the game  (even Championship level).

Also, is it for the right reasons?  If there bringing him back to be a cheerleader, then there seems little point.

It's not as if he's going to be taking training or offering tactical advice to Garde. He's on the board to advise of football-related matters, it's not as if he's completely shunned the game either, he co-commentates or is a pundit most weeks.

[wozwebs]

The Board of Aston Villa Football Club has been conducting a review of all aspects of the operation of the Club. That review is continuing and to enhance this process the Board is pleased to announce two key appointments which will increase the football knowledge and experience available to the Club.

Firstly, David Bernstein CBE, former Chairman of the Football Association, will be joining the Board with immediate effect.

David was chairman of Manchester City Football Club from 1998 to 2003 and is hugely respected for the vital role he performed in helping stablise the Club and pave the way for the revival which has led to its success in recent years.

Secondly, we are also pleased to announce the appointment of Brian Little, former player and manager of Aston Villa, as an advisor to the Board.

Brian has deep knowledge and experience of the football world, both at home and abroad and is a well known and respected member of the Aston Villa family.

The Board promises its unswerving commitment to restoring the fortunes of Aston Villa. The Club has a great history and tradition that is respected throughout the football world and the Board fully recognises its responsibility to restore the Club's fortunes for our outstanding supporters. We are completely focused on the task of ensuring that the Club has a future worthy of its past.

Chairman Steve Hollis said: "I was delighted when David agreed to join the Board and when Brian likewise agreed to join as an advisor to the Board.

"From the initial findings in our review of the Club's operations it is clear that we need a Board that is equipped with the breadth of talent that will lead us to make better decisions.

"Both David's and Brian's experience will be invaluable in this respect."

David Bernstein said: "I am delighted to have been asked to join the Board of Aston Villa.

"This is a difficult time for the Club. However, having had detailed conversations with the Chairman and key personnel, I believe that those difficulties provide an opportunity for change and recovery.

"I have had 20 years' experience in football at Manchester City, Wembley Stadium, Chair of the FA and I hope to bring the benefits of this to Aston Villa.

"Aston Villa is a great club in English football and I will do all I can to help regain its place in the game."

Brian Little added: "I'm delighted to have been invited to assist the Board.

"I've held various roles at the football club over a 46 year period and I know my experience and love for the Club will help shape a positive future for Aston Villa."

http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~5412335,00.html

[Matt C]

Great to have Sir Brian home - I'm sure someone has already said it but he can start against Spurs if he wants.

David Bernstein also seems a smart appointment - proven track record, good experience in the game.

[AV89]

I'm going to stick my head over the parapet here and say that this raises more questions than answers.

Brian is without doubt a legend here (a word ridiculously over used these days, but not in this case), but it's been a long time since he's been involved at the upper echelons of the game  (even Championship level).

Also, is it for the right reasons?  If there bringing him back to be a cheerleader, then there seems little point.

It's not as if he's going to be taking training or offering tactical advice to Garde. He's on the board to advise of football-related matters, it's not as if he's completely shunned the game either, he co-commentates or is a pundit most weeks.

That's true as long as they actually listen if he criticises.

If it's being done to try act as a shield for them then I see little point in the appointment.

[Ger Regan]

Do you really believe he would have taken the job on if ultimately it was just an elaborate ruse to get fans onside? Let's be honest, it's going to take a bit more than Brian Little becoming an advisor to the board to turn around supporters' opinion after what's happened over the past 6 years or so, as foolish as some members of the board appear to be, I don't think even they would think otherwise.

[Tokyo Sexwhale]

I'm going to stick my head over the parapet here and say that this raises more questions than answers.

Brian is without doubt a legend here (a word ridiculously over used these days, but not in this case), but it's been a long time since he's been involved at the upper echelons of the game  (even Championship level).

Also, is it for the right reasons?  If there bringing him back to be a cheerleader, then there seems little point.

It's a good move from the Board, regardless of Sir Brian's actual input - it's harder to shout "Sack the Board" when there's a bonafide Villa legend on it.

[markeeeebeeee2005]

I wanted a striker in. So pretty chuffed to get one of the best ever.

[Ron Manager]

 I would have preferred to have seen Graham Taylor back but it is a small step in the right direction.He would have made a difference. I am not sure Brian Little is forceful enough.

[Ger Regan]

I'm going to stick my head over the parapet here and say that this raises more questions than answers.

Brian is without doubt a legend here (a word ridiculously over used these days, but not in this case), but it's been a long time since he's been involved at the upper echelons of the game  (even Championship level).

Also, is it for the right reasons?  If there bringing him back to be a cheerleader, then there seems little point.

It's a good move from the Board, regardless of Sir Brian's actual input - it's harder to shout "Sack the Board" when there's a bonafide Villa legend on it.

Sir Graham's legendary status didn't stop him from being booed at the end of his return season, so I don't think having a villa great as an advisor to the board is going to stop the dissent if they continue making clusterfucks of decisions.

[PaulWinch again]

Even though the appointment of Little will probably be the most eye catching for the fans I think Bernstein's appointment is the most shrewd. Hopefully our turnaround will start by winning the Championship. It's good to see this review is actually bearing some fruit.

[berneboy]

Those pictures of Brian make my heart swell with pride and at the same time loss at times gone past. He was, in a unique Villa context, magic. My one-way time machine ticket is booked for 1976.

Do well Brian.

is the room for a stowaway? I never saw Brian play, but my brother did and his description was simple: the best player he ever saw including Best etc...

BL was s Villa great but just behind the God McGrath

T'other way round for me.

[ciggiesnbeer]

Also to be fair to him Hollis's statement seemed sensible. Maybe he is not a complete loss after all.